Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hiawassee, Georgia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during the peak hours when the sun’s rays are most intense. With a Cfa climate, Hiawassee experiences warm summers where UV exposure can rise significantly, peaking at 11 around midday. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of Hiawassee’s outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful UV radiation.
The UV Index for the day starts gently, with values peaking at 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the index escalates, reaching 3 by 9:00 AM. A significant surge occurs between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, where it escalates dramatically, peaking at a striking 11 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM—a clear indication to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, with figures dropping to 10 at 3:00 PM, then to 7 at 4:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to safer levels, resting at 1 by 7:00 PM. Keep in mind, high UV levels call for precautions, especially in the midday sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As we transition into February and March, the index escalates, reaching high levels of 7 and very high levels of 8, respectively, reducing burn time notably. From April to August, the UV Index continues to soar, hitting an alarming 12 in May. This period represents the high-risk months for sunburn, where exposure should be limited to just 10 minutes. Post-summer, UV levels decrease in September and October, yet still remain very high with an index of 10 and 8, necessitating careful sun safety practices. November and December offer some relief with moderate levels, hence, a burn time extending back to 25-30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high UV months, utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Hiawassee | 4 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |